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Rankings & Research

The 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C ranking is based on its score within the 2017 Luxury Sports Cars category.
Currently the Alfa Romeo 4C has a
score of 7.4
out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 17 pieces of research and data elements
using various sources.

Scorecard

Critics' Rating:

7.7

Performance:

8.4

Interior:

5.9

Total Cost of Ownership:

N/A

Safety:

N/A

Reliability:

N/A

2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Review

by Jasmine Moses | August 7, 2018

The track-ready 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C is sure to excite with its quick acceleration, adept handling, and responsive steering. However, its stiff ride, noisy and low-grade cabin, and limited overall space keep it in the lower half of our luxury sports car rankings.

Features & Specs

Photos

2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Overview

Is the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C a Good Used Car?

Thrill-seekers who prioritize zippy driving dynamics and swift acceleration will adore the 2017 4C. However, those looking for an everyday driver may want to look elsewhere. Even for a class not known for practicality, the 4C is hard to live with on an everyday basis. It has minimal cargo and passenger space, poor rearward visibility, a low-rent interior, scant features for a vehicle in this class, and a harsh ride.

Why You Can Trust Us

We’ve analyzed 17 Alfa Romeo 4C reviews, as well as fuel economy estimates, reliability ratings, crash test results, and more, to give you all the information you need to make a smart car-buying decision.

U.S. News & World Report has been reviewing cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our Best Cars team has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. To remain impartial, we do not accept extravagant gifts from automakers, and an outside source handles our advertising.

How Much Is the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C?

Prices for the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C range from about $54,000 to $63,800. The average list price is $58,300. The price you pay will depend on the vehicle's condition, mileage, features, and location.

How Much Does the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Cost to Own?

As of this writing, we don’t have five-year cost estimates for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs for the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C.

Is It Better to Buy a Used or New 4C?

For 2018, Alfa Romeo reintroduced the 4C Spider convertible to the lineup. Otherwise, the 2017 and 2018 models are alike in features and price. Neither model year is a better buy than the other – unless you want the convertible.

You could get a newer 2018 luxury sports car for around the same price as the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C. Among the many options are the 2018 Chevy Corvette, 2018 Porsche Boxster, and 2018 Porsche Cayman. All of these vehicles have authoritative engines, dynamic handling, and a comfortable ride. They also come with more standard and available features, additional interior space, and much nicer cabins than the 4C. Two even cheaper alternatives are the 2018 Audi TT and the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC. Both models feature premium materials and amenities, a smooth ride, and agile handling.

Which Model Year of the Alfa Romeo 4C Is Best?

The 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C is part of a generation that debuted for the 2015 model year. The 2016 4C added a standard Alpine audio system and an available sport exhaust system. The 4C Spider convertible model went on a one-year hiatus for 2017. The 2017 4C added an available upgraded Alpine audio system. If these minor changes are not important to you, opt for the cheaper 2015 4C.

2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Recalls

Which Used Alfa Romeo 4C Model Is Right for Me?

The 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C comes in one base trim and body style: a hardtop coupe. Standard features include a USB port, a 7-inch driver information display, a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, sport cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sport-tuned suspension system, and remote keyless entry. This is a decent amount of features, but for a luxury vehicle, the 4C is lacking. Some models may include a seven-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, and enhancements like a race-tuned suspension system, performance-tuned shock absorbers, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

How Safe Is the 4C?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not perform any crash safety tests on the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C. Some models may include rear parking sensors.

2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C or 2017 Chevrolet Corvette?

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette is a better all-around vehicle than the 4C. The Chevy has lithe handling and plenty of power, with its top-of-the-line Z06 model making a whopping 650 horsepower. Unlike the 4C, however, the Corvette delivers a comfortable ride, and its cabin has added passenger and cargo space, better quality materials, and more standard features – including leather upholstery, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Corvette has much lower gas mileage estimates than the 4C, though.

Which Is Better: 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C or 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman?

The 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman is a significantly better option than the 4C. With excellent road grip when cornering, quick and precise steering, and comfortable ride quality, the Cayman is one of the best performers in the class. The Cayman's high-end cabin has comfy, supportive seats with more interior room than the 4C, along with more cargo space.

2017 4C Performance

How Does the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Drive?

There is one engine available in the 4C: a zippy 237-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder. There's a little bit of turbo lag, but this Alfa accelerates quickly from a stop thanks to its light curb weight, quick-shifting six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The 4C tackles twists and turns with exhilarating agility, but its road manners may be too harsh for some shoppers. Its firm suspension system makes for a bumpy ride over uneven pavement, and its lack of power steering makes it a pain to maneuver at low speeds.

Does the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Get Good Gas Mileage?

The 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C has some of the highest gas mileage estimates in the class: 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Expect lower mileage from the base 2017 Chevrolet Corvette and the base 2017 Porsche Cayman: 16/25 mpg city/highway and 21/28 mpg city/highway, respectively.

2017 4C Interior

How Many People Does the 2017 4C Seat?

There is seating for two in the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C, but it's not the most comfortable or opulent. The cabin has low-quality materials, the cloth seats have scant padding, and there aren't even any elbow rests for the driver and passenger. Additionally, the 4C's rearward visibility is meager at best, and a substantial amount of road noise is present in the cabin. Some models come with leather upholstery.

2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Features

Standard features include a 7-inch driver information display, a four-speaker audio system, a USB port, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and HD Radio. Some models may feature a seven-speaker audio system.

2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Dimensions

Alfa Romeo 4C Cargo Space

There's 3.7 cubic feet of space in the 2017 4C's trunk, which is barely enough for a few grocery bags. Moreover, the only small-item storage available is a tiny leather storage bag in the middle of the cabin behind the seatbacks.

2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Length and Weight

The 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C is about 13.1 feet long, and its curb weight is nearly 2,470 pounds.